Red Bulls Reserves Earn 3-2 Win Over Crew

The New York Red Bulls earned their first win in MLS Reserve League play, topping the Columbus Crew, 3-2, at Montclair State University Sunday morning. Both sides are now 1-1-0 this season.

Columbus took the lead in the 18th minute. Ethan Finlay made a run with the ball towards the end line and his cross was deflected out towards the penalty spot. An open Konrad Warzycha was there to head it into the back of the net.

New York responded a minute later with a goal of their own. Lloyd Sam swung a cross towards the back post and Marius Obekop tucked it in, as goalkeeper Matt Lampson got a piece of the attempt but could not prevent the ball from crossing the line. The Red Bulls then went 2-1 up in the 29th minute when Ruben Bover’s corner kick was headed into the Columbus net by Crew defender Bernardo Anor.

Bover was involved in New York’s third goal right before halftime, serving a cross-field ball into Akpan’s path. Akpan drove towards goal, was able to shrug off the pressure of a Crew defender and knocked it past Lampson.

Columbus’ Shawn Sloan pulled one back for the visiting Crew, shooting it past goalkeeper Santiago Castaño in second half stoppage time.

The Red Bulls return to action on April 7 when they take on the Chicago Fire at TOYOTA Park at 5:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2; Radio: ESPN Deportes Radio Nueva York 1050 AM). New York’s next home match is on Wednesday, April 17 as it battles Sporting Kansas City at 7:30 PM. For tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER.